Preparation

[bullman]

1. What kind of lab work will I need performed?
2. When should I stop taking aspirin or Vitamin E before surgery? What about drinking alcohol?
3. Should I or must I quit smoking before my surgery? Can I use "the patch"?
4. Should I take Bromelain or drink pineapple juice before my surgery and after to help with bruising and swelling?
5. What is Arnica montana? I have heard that it can prevent/reduces bruising and swelling; which is the best kind to take?
6. If I am pregnant will my surgery be canceled?
7. What should I bring to my consultation?
8. What about my home - how can I prepare?
9. What about my birth control, I don't want to be on my period for surgery.
10. How much time should I take off work?
11. Do I need to buy a recliner?
12. Do I need to follow a special diet in the weeks ahead and after my procedure?
13. What do I bring to the hospital/surgery center or keep in the car for the ride home?
14. I am so nervous! What can I do to ease my pre-operative fears?

[Lovebird]

1. What kind of lab work will I need performed?

The lab tests required before opting for breast implant surgery are ESR, PCV, Blood sugar level, creatinine level, Urine glucose level etc. Breast surgery won't be performed to the clients with diabetes...

[queenofsurjery]

1. What kind of lab work will I need performed?

No more than 2 weeks before your surgery you should have blood work performed. This includes a CBC (complete blood count) which determines your white and red blood cell count. If your red blood cells are low, you could be anemic and not fit for surgery. If your white blood cells are too many, you could have an infection or disease that your body is trying to fight off. If you have too little white blood cells this alerts the surgeon that you have a compromised immune system at the moment due to various reasons and will not be able to fight off even the smallest of infections or heal properly.




You will also more than likely have a preliminary pregnancy test performed as well since it is necessary to determine this beforehand as exposure to local and IV anesthetics can harm a developing fetus. Platelet (clotting) tests are also very important in determining if you have any clotting disorders.

If you are a mature woman or if your surgeon is one to not take any chances whatsoever may be asked to get a physical to see if you can physically withstand the surgery and recovery.

Not all surgeons require blood / lab work before your surgery but I really feel strongly about it. At least ask WHY if your surgeon does not instruct you to have it done.

[queenofsurjery]

2. When should I stop taking aspirin or Vitamin E before surgery? What about drinking alcohol?

It is advised that you cease consuming, aspirin, large to medium doses vitamin E, Echinacea and a host of other anticoagulants, sedatives and homeopathics at least 2 weeks before surgery.

It has been said that since alcohol is expelled relatively fast you should cease drinking any alcoholic beverages at least 4 days before your surgery, but 2 weeks truly is better.

However, some surgeons do advise a small amount of vitamin E before surgery is beneficial and many pre-operative supplements actually have a small amount of vitamin E, as well as K, in them. Please discuss this with your surgeon, especially id you already have abnormal clotting issues

[queenofsurjery]

3. Should I or must I quit smoking before my surgery? Can I use "the patch"?

It is not the smoke itself but the nicotine which acts as a vasoconstrictor (impedes blood flow by constricting blood vessels.) This hinders proper circulation and proper circulation is paramount for normal healing. If your body can't get oxygen rich blood to your treatment area you won't heal well. If tissue doesn't get oxygen it can become necrotic (dead) and will need to be removed, cause infection and spread to more of your healthy tissue. No easing of a nicotine fit is worth that. Quit well beforehand. I did and I have remained a non-smoker ever since. Sure, it was difficult but it is worth it!

Regarding Marijuana and Hookah pipes: Marijuana does increase the effects of anesthesia so please cease smoking marijuana well in advance. Hookah shisha (tobacco) has less nicotine (some report .05%) but it still contains nicotine. It is best to quit all smoking of any material, all recreational drugs, and some OTC and homeopathic medications and remedies.

[queenofsurjery]

4. Should I take Bromelain or drink pineapple juice before my surgery and after to help with bruising and swelling?

This is up to you and your surgeon. Many physicians and plastic surgeons believe that Bromelain (derived from pineapple) can decrease your swelling and bruising. Bromelain capsules are also available and usually includes an anti-inflammatory formula containing the proteolytic enzyme from the stems of pineapples. Proteolytic enzymes are capable of dissolving proteins. It is most often used after sports injuries, to relieve edema and after surgical procedures to help with swelling.

Other products or supplements that you may heard of or have been recommended may be Arnica montana, Vitamin A, Vitamin K or Vitamin C, please discuss these with your surgeon if you are interested or have questions.

[queenofsurjery]

5. What is Arnica montana? I have heard that it can prevent/reduces bruising and lessen soreness; which is the best kind to take?

also known as: Mountain Tobacco, Leopard's Bane.
parts used: Roots, flowers.
description: Arnica montana or Leopard's Bane is a perennial herb, growing close to the ground. The leaves form a flat rosette, from the center of which rises a flower stalk, 1 to 2 feet high, bearing orange-yellow flowers. The rhizome is dark brown, cylindrical, usually curved, and bears brittle wiry rootlets on the under surface.
habitat: Indigenous to Central Europe, in woods and mountain pastures, although it has been found in England and Southern Scotland.

Arnica montana has been used in Europe for centuries to treat swelling, soreness and bruising. This product is often misunderstood when confused with ingesting the arnica plant in its raw form. When properly prepared, Arnica may significantly decrease the healing time or the appearance of such. There are many formulations from different companies. Sublingual (under the tongue) types are the most often recommended for plastic surgery.

[kumar]

6. If I am pregnant will my surgery be canceled?

Yes. Reason being even if you had your surgery under local anesthesia only, Lidocaine crosses the placenta and affects the central nervous system of the fetus. Although anesthesia is used in life-saving surgeries, when it is an elective surgery, it is normally postponed until after the pregnancy is over.

[kumar]

7. What should I bring to my consultation?

* Bring a list of questions you may have for the surgeon
* Bring your list of medications for reference. Highlight or jot down medications which you take presently or have questions about so you will remember at your consultation.
* Bring some photos to provide a visualization for the surgeon on the results you desire and DON'T desire.
* Bring a friend, family member or spouse for support
* bathing suits, bras, tops to fill or help your surgeon visualize what you desire

[kumar]

8. What about my home - how can I prepare?

* Clean your house, - or have it cleaned
* Unless you are lucky and have a significant other that can cook, shop for recovery food and treats like pudding, Jell-O, Soup At Hand, frozen dinners; or cook your own and freeze it.
* Take out the trash, recyclables, etc. so you don't have to worry about it
* Have all of your laundry taken care of
* Make a "Honey Do" list (bills, thermostat settings, errands, whatever). Sometimes our significant others can be quite helpless without us
* Purchase all of your medications, Vitamin C and dressings beforehand in case your pharmacy is in short supply.
* Place all medications either in a weekly pill case or in labeled containers, by day and time if need be.
* Have lots of movies, books, magazines or videogames on hand.